#TBT: A Look Back at Quotable Quotes for a Sustainable Serenity

For #TBT this week, Aimee shares a post written four years ago during the U.S. presidential election that still applies today. Though, there seems to be just a tad bit more at stake in the presidential election this time around, this quote can still help with changing your mindset in so many areas of life. 

Before I went back to work full-time, which led to a hiatus from the TFF blog, I had started a series I called, “Quotable Quotes for a Sustainable Serenity.” Gotta love alliteration! Looking back at a few of these and some in my “chapbook” has got me thinking to again share some favorite words of wisdom that help me get perspective and strength, especially when feeling down about living in one of the most expensive areas of the country. 

Here, I wrote about a time when I was feeling worried about the economy. As if that has gone away! Not! And, so here’s a proverb that offers timeless advice. Here’s to rising to the challenge of changing your mindset!

~Aimee, TFF

Maybe you are like me, and when you were 10, you routinely read your parents’ copy of Reader’s Digest.  My favorite page was “Quotable Quotes.”  Perhaps this is where I got my inspiration to start a chapbook of quotes and words of wisdom to help guide me to best overcome the adversity of life with grace and determination.

Here’s a quote I wrote down in my chapbook when I was in college:

That the birds of worry and care fly over your head,

this you cannot change.

But that they build nests in your hair,

this you can prevent. 

~ A Chinese Proverb

There is so much to worry about these days.  Perhaps that goes without saying!  This Chinese Proverb can help you be proactive when finding yourself spiraling into a mindset of anxiety.

In the wake of the first presidential debate about the economy, besides all the talk about who would do a better job turning the economy around, there were dim forecasts about future prices of gas and food.  After hearing this speculation, it can seem downright next-to-impossible to get paralyzed by fear of not being able to get by.  (Chances are that if you have the ability and access to read this post, you are getting by.)

Try to tune out the talk of speculation.  Stick with the facts of your situation.  Though your situation may cause “birds of worry…to fly over your head, ” the challenge is to realize that you have the power to change your reaction to the situation. Doing everything you can to be optimistic and proactive – hope for the best and prepare for the worst – prevents those “birds of worry” from “building nests in your hair” and getting trapped there.

I am certainly no pro at this.  May you join me in doing the best to rise to the challenge.

~Aimee~, TFF

Related articles

• Quotable Quotes for Sustainable Serenity 9.30.12 (twofrugalfairfielders.com)
• Quotable Quotes for Sustainable Serenity 9.23.12 (twofrugalfairfielders.com)
• Quotable Quotes for Sustainable Serenity 9.16.12 (twofrugalfairfielders.com)
• Quotable Quotes for Sustainable Serenity 9.2.12 (twofrugalfairfielders.com)
• Quotable Quotes for Sustainable Serenity 9.9.12 (twofrugalfairfielders.com)
• Quotable Quotes for Sustainable Serenity (twofrugalfairfielders.com)